Fashion is So Much More Than What You Wear
By Eve, Founder & CEO of Project Emerald
Recently I had the privilege of attending the Empower Her Lunch for Dress for Success Victoria — one of Project Emerald’s incredible charity partners. The event was filled with inspiring energy, heartfelt stories, and a shared belief in the transformative power of confidence.
The lunch featured amazing speakers including Mel Villani (Evergreen Clothing), Melissa Doughty (digital creator and style advocate), and Stephanie Macpherson (Stephanie & Co), all beautifully hosted by Helen James from Dress for Success Victoria.
Some of the team and board from Dress for Success Victoria
One message echoed throughout the room — and it’s one that deeply resonates with Project Emerald’s values:
Fashion is so much more than what you wear.
For many of the women supported by Dress for Success, a single outfit became the first step toward rediscovering their self-worth. One client shared, “They saw the potential in me that I had lost.” Another said, “Walking out feeling confident, my shoulders broad — in a sense, they saved my life because they believed in me.”
These words are a powerful reminder that fashion isn’t just about clothing — it’s about confidence, courage, and community. It’s about rebuilding from within.
So, this week, we invite you to do something small yet empowering.
Have the courage to explore your style.
Wear something you wouldn’t normally wear — something that makes you feel good. Step outside in it.
You’ll realise you feel great, no one’s judging, and you can do this.
At Project Emerald, we believe in supporting organisations like Dress for Success who make fashion a force for good — empowering women, changing lives, and creating opportunities.
Small Ways to Make a Big Difference
To support Dress for Success, you can shop their collections on Project Emerald, donate to them at checkout, or even give a few hours of your time. They always appreciate help with folding, sorting, styling, or assisting with their sales.
My daughter and I also had the joy of volunteering over the weekend with Dress for Success Tasmania’s fashion frenzy event— it was such a wonderful reminder of how small acts of kindness and community can create big change.
